Variegated Forest Grass

Characteristics & Cultural Requirements

• Height/Spread: 12-18 inches tall and wide
• Habit/Form: Mounding, spreading
• Hardiness Zone: 5-9
• Exposure: Part to full shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained

Ornamental Value

Do you love the graceful texture of ornamental grasses, but have a shady site? Hakone grass or Variegated Forest Grass is a choice plant for such a site. Provided this grass receives adequate moisture and shade it is a star performer creating waterfalls of long slender blades that beautifully arch together in one direction. The variegated lime green to yellow foliage shows best color in part to full shade and will change based on the amount of sunlight it receives. Variegated Forest Grass does spread through rhizomes, but is not considered invasive so expect it to pleasantly fill the space it is planted in. It is easily managed through division as needed. Variegated Forest Grass offers a great texture contrast against Hosta and goes well planted alongside Astilbe, Coralbells, Boxwood, and Yews.

Landscape Uses

Shade gardens, along borders, in massings